Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The National Security Advisor Lt General (r) Nasser Khan Janjua on Monday urged the international community to recognise Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, and he also criticised a tilt of the United States towards India.

He was addressing to a seminar titled “National Security Policy – Vision for Pakistan” organised by Center For Global & Strategic Studies in Islamabad as chief guest while other national and international guests have interacted as well.

Recalling the soviet invasion into the region, he considered it as a triggering point of the hard times for Pakistan which according to him increased manifold after the 9/11 attacks and Pakistan’s decision to become a frontline ally of the United States in War on Terror.

“Pakistan is blamed of instigating instability in Afghanistan, but it is pertinent to mention that Pakistan has never supported and never provided safe heavens to the terrorist organisations”, he added.

He mentioned the huge loss caused to the country and sacrifices rendered by Pakistanis in the US led War against Terrorism.

“The global powers have always acted unfavourable towards Pakistan’s efforts, and its hard work to curtail the menace of terrorism have never been appreciated by the International community”, he complained.

He said further that it is a result of the efforts by the Pakistani armed forces that the terrorists have surrendered and now in Balochistan, they are hailing “JevayBalochistan – Jevay Pakistan.”

While criticising the US tilt towards India, General Janjua has said: “US is actually opting the stance of India against Pakistan and they are on the same page regarding Kashmir issue.”

He stated that India was given priority over Pakistan, while India is playing avital role in shaping the political/strategic dynamics of Afghanistan. However, US is blaming Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan.

He stressed on a need to formulate a comprehensive response regarding security of Pakistan and said that the current dimension of security milieus across the globe has witnessed a paradigm shift where the threat to the cyber space have taken the centre stage.

“The global and regional powers must utilise their resources prudently. Pakistan is in need to manage its national resources in order to combat its internal as well as external security threats”, he underlined.

Meanwhile, while speaking on the occasion, the former Naval Chief of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Admiral Jayantha Perera appreciated the support of Pakistan with Sri Lanka in fighting against terrorism.

He emphasised on the regional integration, collective security and positive sum gains to change the perception of the world towards the South Asian region.

Senior Visiting Research Fellow at Kings College London Mr. Tim Willasey, Director, The Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) Mr. Vladimir Norov, Former Chief of Police in China Mr.Shijie Chu, Former Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr.Ishrat Hussain, Ambassador Khalid Aziz Babar Lieutenant General (Retd) HaroonAslam also delivered speeches.

The event brought together international speakers, government representatives, retired armed forces officers, diplomats and students from across the country and individuals from public and private entities.

Earlier, Chairman CGSS, Lieutenant General Muhammad ZahirUl Islam, HI (M), (Retd) commenced the session by welcoming the worthy guest speakers from friendly countries of Pakistan and extended special gratitude to the distinguished participants for gracing the occasion.

Published in Daily Times, December 19^th 2017.